Monthly Archives: February 2011

Ideas must be put to the test. That's why we make things, otherwise they would be no more than ideas. There is often a huge difference between an idea and its realisation. I've had what I thought were great ideas that just didn't work.
- Andy Goldsworthy, British artist

It's entirely possible the architects of this ultra modern residence in Inner Mongolia, China designed the space with snow in mind.

If so, a stroke of brilliance, no? (Not that the design lacks in any way without it.) If not, then how about a wide border of white quartz gravel?

(Design by New York-based architects Multiplicities. Learn more about the house here.)

Pampas is a word from the Quecha language (Andean South America) for plains, the area which the grass takes both its name and heritage.

Visually, it evokes not only the Southern pampas but the African savannahs, Japanese gardens, Mediterranean coasts, and California fusion. It's grand yet not overpowering; it can be as subtle or assertive as the plan dictates.

It evokes both wet and dry lands, both arid and tropical, warm and cool.

It billows. It screens. It's flexible.

Left to grow, it may rise to nine feet.

But can be trimmed to submit to any design. Its texture integrates well as it embodies both soft and sharp, light and heavy.

And once established it's extremely drought tolerant. Perfect.